Very ominous news regarding GOP NYC convention!!!!

[grytpype]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1093185,00.html

After describing the brutal tactics used to supress dissent in Miami, this Guardian article concludes:

---

Already, Jim Wilkinson, director of strategic communications at US Central Command in Doha, Qatar (the operation that gave the world the Jessica Lynch rescue), has moved to New York to head up media operations for the Republican National Convention. "We're looking at embedding reporters," he told the New York Observer of his plans to use some of the Iraq tricks during the convention. "We're looking at new and interesting camera angles."

The war is coming home.

---

We might be facing true repression when the GOP comes to NY. The only antidote to that is PEOPLE IN THE STREETS! Remember February 15! We need twice that!

[Fleshdancer]

1. The war is coming home.

And if the embedded reporters are stationed with the "rnc troops", then will they portray the protestors as "the enemy".

War game mentality much? These people are weird.

[Matilda]

2. Not just weird. Evil.

[Efilroft Sul]

18. Time to plant fifth columnists in the police

I don't know how feasible this idea is, but consider it and comment on it.

Perhaps NYC area evil DUers can create flyers to stick on the windshields of police cruisers while their operators are away from the vehicles. The literature can remind the police how the Bush administration wants to do away with their overtime pay, how they are anti-union, how NYC hasn't received the billions it was promised when the Potemkin Village president stood atop the WTC wreckage, and how the administration lied about the quality of the air in downtown Manhattan after 9/11.

Remind the cops, as well as the firefighters, how the Bush administration has put the screws to them every step of the way. Most of all, let them know that the Republicans are going to use the deaths of all their colleagues for political purposes. As a call to action, tell the police and firefighters to stand with the REAL patriotic Americans during the Republican convention.

If you're involved in planning protests next year, consider planting fifth columnist sympathizers (hopefully many) in the police and firefighter unions.

The gloves are off, people. Wouldn't you rather have the cops and firefighters on your side?

[DinahMoeHum]

28. Methinks the way to do this is through their unions.

Remember, nearly half of those who died in the WTC were union employees of one sort or another. Police, firefighters, EMS, restaurant workers, electricians, building maintenance, airline workers, etc.

Which reminds me, I have an idea that the restaurant and hotel employees should consider. If they get the names of conventioneers, they should have a list of them complete with what I call the "Circle-F Brand". That is a code to f**k these people over and over because they deserve it. How? Little things like deliberately misplacing their luggage, or sabotaging their food just as it is served. Use your imagination.

:evilgrin:

[BurtWorm]

3. They were talking about this on Democracy Now yesterday.

There's an interesting article on their Web site about the embeds the DN people ran into.

http://www.democracynow.org/static/miamimodel.shtml

[BurtWorm]

4. By the way, the article you cite is by Naomi Klein

who wrote No Logo, a must read for anyone who wants to know about the anti-globalization movement and what it's up against.

[kskiska]

5. I'd read previously that the Secret Service was handling it.

Guess it's gotten even beyond that. After all, look at the London trip. Maybe they should just hold it in an underground bunker someplace.

[sleipnir]

6. Scary, I'm frightened what I will encounter here in NYC next Sept.

I want to protest, but I'm quite afraid for my safety and in some respects, even my life...

I'm sure I'll stay here, but we must be ready to peacefully confront the police and the "Republicans"

[SeattleRob]

45. That's what they're trying to do...

They want to frighten people so they won't protest. I wonder if we'll see the image of the police gassing and clubbing 9/11 widows who will be on the streets protesting for accountability.

[dbt]

7. KICK!

Back to the Front Page with this nasty little nugget!

:freak:
dbt

[lostnfound]

8. Too bad we can't have an army of little old ladies ..

serving as "PR packaging" between the cameras and the rest of the protesters. Better PR that way. Surely there's plenty of them that are angry enough to be out there.

[JNelson6563]

9. My money's on pissed off New Yorkers

There's one army the RNC would be wise to fear. Fortunately they are unwise. ;-)

Julie

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. Holy cow!

The war is coming home? The war is coming home?!! New and interesting camera angles? Looking at embedding reporters?

I see a MAJOR riot in the making. If there's a million people in NY protesting the convention and the republicans are going to apply their fascist tactical moves.....this could be a frightening situation.

I can imagine by Sept. this all coming to a head. *Enough is enough from the citizens* and *you haven't been controlled enough from the bush regime.*

These people truly are frightening. Will this be another Kent State? I can see that happening with this regime. The thought gives me chills.

[0rganism]

11. READ THE ARTICLE, AND WEEP

Here's another one like it:

http://www.commondreams.org/views03/1125-13.htm

The gloves are off, and the masks are on. Get ready to see some serious jackboots.

[pfitz59]

13. next year will be worse

"gangs of new york" here we come

[Minstrel Boy]

12. "This isn't the enemy we wargamed against"

And here I thought calling in airstrikes could only mean broadcasting attack ads.

[slaveplanet]

17. Well you may and maynot be right -flashback SEATTLE-

Even the military got involved. According to the Weekly, the Pentagon sent members of the top-secret Delta Force to Seattle to prepare for President Bill Clinton's arrival. As the paper put it, "the elite Army special force, operating under its cover name of Combat Applications Group (CAG), was in Seattle a week in advance of the Clinton visit to scope out possible terrorist acts. Under the control of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the contingent took up residence in a Regrade motel and fanned out downtown dressed as demonstrators, some wearing their jungle greens."
"Seattle Weekly" http://r2klegal.org/media/jr-022101.html


Miami-''I think Miami's put on a great show,'' said Gov. Jeb Bush, who attended the talks. ``I'm really proud of what they've done.''


NYC 04'- this space reserved

[NNN0LHI]

14. Sounds like maybe a repeat of the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago

[Drifter]

15. Would it make sense to ...

organize a huge protest in NY for the convention. No sense letting all that security go to waste.

Cheers
Drifter

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

16. When New Yorkers see the GOP dancing on the graves on the WTC

for crass political posturing, it's going to backfire on the Republicans so badly they will truly regret it.

[truthspeaker]

19. three suggestions for NYC demonstrations

I'm still trying to decide if demonstrating at the Rethug convention is a good idea. But if we do, I have three suggestions for the demonstrators:

Carry a lot of American flags. Because it represents what we believe in, but also because it looks bad when cops beat up people carrying American flags.

Carry signs saying "Why do you hate our freedom?"

Invite reporters to embed with the protestors too.

[Efilroft Sul]

21. I like your thinking

It's all outside of the box.

[RandomKoolzip]

36. I like your name: "lust for life" is a great tune....

even when played backwards!

[trogdor]

39. How about driving your shittiest car to Manhattan.

It must have a working muffler AND a working tape deck. Air conditioning is optional. Sweat is good. Play Neil Young's "Four Dead in Ohio" song over and over. Keep it on the road all day, and drive like you just got your license yesterday (slowly and deliberately). Keep asking cops for directions to 32nd and Broadway (Madison Square), yelling over the music.

[alarcojon]

38. I also like your thinking

Especially about the American flags. Why cede that symbol to the right? Why do they get to decide what a patriotic American has to think and feel?

B-)

[cthrumatrix]

20. education....give this to everyone in New York...we are being had

we lost control years ago ...the GOP / corporate agenda will maipulate all of us again (Jessica Lynch) for a reason......control.

Control of wars....terror... and your tax dollars.

example: medicare reform bill...next social security

[G_j]

22. Aug. 29 2004, already in the works

www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=1810

August 29, 2004, The World Says No to Bush

MASS WORLDWIDE PROTEST DURING THE 2004 REPUBLICAN CONVENTION IN NEW YORK CITY

United for Peace and Justice

In the last three years, George W. Bush has presided over a radical right-wing takeover of the U.S. government, the ramifications of which have been felt all over the world. Not only has he waged two wars, killing thousands of innocent people, during his short time in office, but he has also implemented a policy of pre-emptive war that violates international law and threatens global security. On the home front, unemployment soars, the federal budget deficit swells into the billions, and states prepare to slash funding for everything from healthcare to education. Yet, Bush responds with two huge tax cuts that will primarily benefit the wealthy rather than the people who are most in need.
..more..

[nannygoat]

23. How can the US Army (or wherever this guy is from)

legitimately be involved in a Repuke National Committee event? Is he now a private consultant and former director of strategic communications at US Central Command in Doha, Qatar?

[CaptainClark23]

24. As a New Yorker, I say...

Bring 'em on.


I've had enough of these repug bastards and the thought of them coming here after all they have done in the name of fecking 9.11 makes me sick to my stomach and so damned angry I can't see straight.

The NYPD are OUR people, our cops, and they are New Yorkers (for the most part). They have suffered with us. Yeah, they are just as prone to smeg-ups as any other armed band, but thats usually attributable to poor or malicious planning from the top (as it was back in February). We need to treat them as part of us, not as foreign.


As long as we keep in mind the moral and ethical righteousness of our fury, we will prevail and give the country and the world something to consider. They will regret trying to play New Yorkers, ALL New Yorkers, including the police, for fools.

And if I am wrong? Then this is going to be a nightmare and our blood will flow. So be it. It has flowed for lesser causes than our liberty.

Our City, Our Streets.

Pass the word, See you all at the Garden.

On Edit: fixing typos. can't type worth a damn when I'm angry.

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

25. I work two blocks away from Madison Square Garden

I think I'll be calling in sick that week. I really don't relish the idea of having to wear riot gear on the way to my office.

The fact that they're even coming here at all galls me to no end. The Republican party has for decades now written off (if not downright loathed) NYC, and the fact that they would capitalize on the deaths of 3000 people for PR purposes is utterly sickening. Of course, they're doing that on a daily basis in Iraq so what am I complaining about?

These people all belong in prison.

[CaptainClark23]

29. Lockdown

If they are going to use Miami FTAA protests as a model, they will have to shut off at least a two block perimeter around MSG, so you might not be going to work anyway!

Can you imagine the impact on midtown businesses during this time? And how are they going to "Shut Down" Penn Station?! (For those who don't know, Pennsylvania Station is one of two major train hubs for NYC, and sits directly beneath Madison Square Garden). Many manhattan corporations are staffed by commuters who come in through Penn.

What will stop thousands of protestors from donning suits and ties and taking the train into town, and coming upstairs INSIDE whatever security perimeter that might be established? (I'm not worried about giving away plans here..the NYPD are no dummies and know this town, they will have considered most anything protestors can dream up)

Even the most politically ambivalent New Yorkers are going to go insane when they start realising the implications and the costs involved here.

[durutti]

26. I'll be there.

I'm looking forwad to it.

[durutti]

27. Website for the Protest

http://www.counterconvention.org/

[David__77]

30. We need "innovative" tactics.

I would like to see their party crashed so to speak. It's more than possible. It won't be by the Democrats, that's for sure.

[TexasPatriot]

35. in 1984 in Dallas

Jello Biafra played... and people broke the windows of the McDonalds on Commerce St... but it got no coverage.

honestly, you want to embarrass them? drown them out. organize a huge concert in central park by the Dixie Chicks featuring Fat Mike from NOFX or something... (can you imagine, the Dixie Chicks singing Perfect Government... heheheh)

Make them the 2nd story on the news.

[bloom]

31. embedded reporters for stateside "events"

is so wrong. Just say it's the state media and be done with it.

[MadHound]

32. A few things to pack, for those of you who are going

Sounds like the Thuglicans are going to be pulling out all of the stops to quell the riots. Here are some things to pack so you can remain safe and continue protesting. These items have proven effective before, as attested to by myself and friends. They are items that are easily available.

1. Vaseline: While this is possibly the nastiest thing to do on this list, it is quite possibly the most needed thing to do. Army and SWAT teams have a variety of skin irritant gases that they like to unleash. If you cover every square inch of your body with a good layer of Vaseline, these skin irritants cannot reach your skin, and thus cannot work. I know, I know, its a really nasty thing to do, and a real pain to get off, but when other people are trying to rip their skin off around you, you will be happy that you are covered.

2. Industrial quality respirators: Don't skimp on this, don't try to get by with WWII vintage gas masks(or even Vietnam era ones). Having your own supply of air when the gas begins to fly is a definite plus. Because once you get hit by CX or other gases, you are too incapacitated to do anything else besides puke your guts out, thus making you an easy target to be picked up.

3. Water/air tight swim goggles: For the same reason as above, gas. If you are blinded by the gas, you're easy fish for the cops to reel in.

4. Target range quality ear plugs/muffs: With the possible use of flash-bang grenades and other sonic weapons in their arsenal, it could be vital to have ear protection. Make sure you get something that is qualified for target range use(the big bangs) rather than just simple industrial use. There's a big difference.

5. Welding goggles: Once again this is with the flash bangs in mind. Most welding goggles will fit over your swim goggles(see above). You don't want to wear them all of the time, but keep them handy for when the cops start to light up the night. Otherwise you won't be able to see a damn thing.

6. A hard hat/motorcycle helmet: Nothing more effective in protecting you from those nightsticks and other beatings. I reccomend a motorcycle helmet with face protection. As we've seen in Miami and elsewhere, rubber bullets will be the order of the day.

7. Body armour: No, I don't mean military body armour(though that's nice if you can afford some). No, I'm talking football padding. Not just the shoulder pads, but also the quarterbacks flak jacket and the thigh pads. Once again, it is to keep the nightstick/rubber bullet damage to a minimum.

8. Walkie-talkies/cell phones: To keep in touch with your buds when the shit starts to hit the fan.

And over all of this make sure you wear clothing that you can move easily and quickly in.

Also make sure that there are plenty of qualified first aid people with you. If this lives up to previous police riots there are going to be plenty of injuries, and the mainstream ER people will hold off until the action is completely finished. Thus, we will have to take care of ourselves. Make sure your med kits include plenty of eyewash, and epinephrine shots(for those nasty allergic reactions to all of the chemicals floating around) along with the usual first aid gear. Hold the medics back from the action, you can't afford to have them hauled away.

I know, this may seem to be a bit over the top to a lot of you, but how many peaceful protests have turned into brutal police riots?
It is always best to be prepared, especially in such an inherently chaotic unpredictable situation as this one is going to be.

[realFedUp]

33. Yeah, but will they have donkey carts....

[CaptainClark23]

34. We'll have Hot Dog stands!

The Pushcart Wars, Redux

[janx]

37. "Embed" = CONTROL

It has been since the beginning.

[AP]

40. They're trying to encourage '68 style protests to drive moderates to right

You're going to see a ton of stories like this which are meant to get people agitated and anxious, so that, the Republicans hope, they resort to violent protests.

[indigo32]

42. I think you are right

This is a PR WAR folks.... and any violence that occurs will be blamed on us. We need to keep calm, get creative and avoid that.

[veganwitch]

41. actually there were ideas for the opposite

the idea that squads and squads of police in riot gear with no one around would show the ridiculousness of the police/military state.

it could be a national day of action with community teach-ins, community service. or a national strike (imagine if everyone just didnt go to work, didnt buy anything etc.) bring things back to the local election. o

looking for one person and their entourage to take care of the nation is absurd. we are the nation and need to take that power into our own hands.

you cant have a war if one side doesnt show up. and that doesnt mean surrender, its resistance.

[eek]

44. Post-its(tm) and Sharpies(tm)

I always carry both around.

I write website URLs for DU, Buzzflash etc and stick several on the plastic map-cover in taxies, on backs of bus seats and so on.
I use Sharpies(tm) because the ink won't smear.

The notes are easy for people to take away with them rather than having to remember or jot something down.

Quick and non-vandal way to spread info around.

I suggest we start writing URLs for the anti-CON sites now and keep it up until showtime.

This would work well in other cities, states as well as NYC
Bus stops
ATMs
Grocery store bulletin boards
Inside books, library books, magazines (go for popular titles , bestsellers - not just politix )
Laundromat
Cabs
Rental cars
Buses

and my fave:

Restroom stalls!



ps: I like the vaseline thing someone posted earlier. It'd turn ya into a "greased pig" if someone grabbed you!

Cell phone service is * so *spotty in NYC .
I'd suggest back ups like the walkies as suggested , Blackberry(tm) and so forth.


I was in Dallas for the 84 Con, too!
I'd drive by the site after work and heckle.
Ahh, simpler times.

[tom_paine]

43. Yes, Imperial Amerika is clamping down on their unruly Subjects

How dare we criticize our Divinely Appointed Emperor?

:puke: :puke:

I've got a suggestion for a "new and interesting" camera angle...BullyCam...we can starp a camera to the Sturmtruppen to REALLY get a close look at their terrified victims as they bludgeon them and gas them...down angle shots enhance the view of the inferiority of the victims.

Of course, other footage will have to be spliced in to makew it appear as if the victim actually did something to warrant the beating/gassing.

Easily taken care of at the state of the art RNC studios...

[TNOE]

46. Bush Getting Ready for Martial Law

And is anyone really surprised? Click on <more> on the article and it will take you to the article.
http://www.yearzero.org/home/index.php

[CaptainClark23]

47. Kicking and Screaming (N/T)